The 20th Century

In chapter 21 of the textbook, Robert W. Strayer illustrates the collapse of the most powerful European states and its recovery.  Before the 20^th century European countries claimed other countries as colonies with excessive competitiveness among each other. By 1914, there was a strong sense of nationalism and many states wanted to have the most important economic, political, and military advancements. This behavior lead to declaration of war on each other: World War I. Some years later Europe, Asia and America are involved in World Way II. As every war, consequences were devastating: millions of people died, mostly civilians, people were killed with excessive brutality, and countries were impoverished. Then, America gains important economic power exporting goods and financial resources to European countries, which recover thanks to their industrial society, ability to integrate their recovery economies, and capacity to put aside nationalism and replace it with ideals of peace and general prosperity. If only these ideals of peace and general prosperity could reach every country of the world.  

                While Europe and America implemented capitalism as an economic system, other countries, mainly in Asia implemented communism. These two systems, although distinct from each other, have the same objective: reach economic success. Chapter 22 of the textbook explains how communism is implemented in Russia, China, North Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, and Afghanistan. Every country has struggled to reach the economic stability to serve the needs of its people. Based on the reading of this chapter, both systems have failures and   successes so one cannot be better than the other. It was very depressing to read about the section about the search of enemies in Russia, China, and America. People being afraid of the influence of the opposite economic system because they will eventually lost their power led to Cold War between Soviet Union and America. Why is it power so important for humanity? It is not my intention to judge, but to understand. Since the formation of cities, states, civilizations, and empires, humans have shown their desire to hold power. If I intent to define power, I would say it makes humans to feel in control, therefore safe. Then, I can conclude that the raise for power is not going to end and future generations may see this again.

                These power struggles, however, can be resolved in a passive way as India and West Africa did when they became independent from British control.  It was very gratifying to read about the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela whose persistence, integrity, and vision saved many lives. Gandhi respected other people’s believes and opinions and when India became independent it was divided in two countries Pakistan whose population practiced Islam and India whose population practiced Hinduism. Nelson Mandela during 40 years opposed to government policies of South Africa who maintained full political and economic control in favor of European’s settlers while South Africans were profoundly impoverished. Even when Mandela was imprisoned for 30 years, he kept his ideals and integrity intact. I hope future conflicts are solved in a passive way and leaders follow their example.